Bird Watching

I'm not talking about bird watching with binoculars today.  I'm talking about the kind that cats do - ha ha ha!

We have an ornamental apple tree (I have no idea why someone didn't just plant a real apple tree), and in the early winter the birds come in hoards to eat whatever is left on the tree.  Two of our three cats watch the birds from the window during this time, and keep us entertained by popping in and out of windows all day.  My kids snapped this cute photo one day when the birds filled the tree.

More Canning for Christmas Gifts

The teacher of my 3rd grader, will be receiving a jar of homemade candy apple jelly.  I crocheted a round dishcloth in variegated cotton with red, green and white colors, and wrapped it around the jar.

 The dishcloth ended up larger than I thought, but you know they always shrink after washing.  It fit perfect around the bottom of a half pint jar of homemade jelly, and served nicely for "wrapping" paper.  I hope the teacher enjoys both items.

We have also started our holiday baking.  The kids are doing most of it considering I am sick, and so are many of the other kids.  I have one daughter who has taken over the candy making and is doing a wonderful job.  She helped make toffee, and made buckeyes for the family Christmas.

Toffee starts with a lot of butter, but ends up tasting so delicious.  I think this year's batch was the best batch ever made so far.

 My daughter did a great job.  It really helps to have help.